Monday, September 05, 2005
A better response
I'm pleased to see a far better response by the Irish government towards our friends across the pond with regard to Hurricane Katrina which has devastated several southern states in America.About 30 members of the Irish Defence Forces are being despatched to the US to help out in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
The army is also to supply thousands of ready meals, tentage, blankets, water purification services and medical aid.
The Irish soldiers will be providing first aid kits, crutches and wheelchairs.
They will provide 3,000 ready meals and their tents will be able to accommodate 500 people.
The group will include about ten experts in stress debriefing and perhaps a specialist on infectious diseases.
Six of the troops will operate two water purification plants, and about 20 soldiers will distribute the meals and administer the tents.
Earlier, the Irish Government announced it is to provide initial funding of €1m for the victims of the hurricane.
In a statement, Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern said the aid will be directed to those most in need through the Red Cross and community-based organisations.
He added that the Government would also be contributing to the relief effort through the European Union.
This is a much more welcome response from the Irish government. I still think this aid should have been offered sooner but I suppose it's better late than never...
# posted by United Irelander @ 7:00 PM 
© 2008 United Irelander.
